Last Tech Tidbits of 2008-09

Tech Tidbits

Heads Up! Reminder that the Faculty/Staff Computer Purchase Program is coming up again in August. Everyone is eligible to participate in this program once every three years. For more information, please contact Glen Worthing and he would be glad to let you know if you are eligible and what the policy/lease agreement states.

Unplug your laptops! It is good practice to let your battery run all the way down every once in a while (once a month for sure). Here's a PSA from Apple Computer:

• "For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her MacBook on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing. If on the other hand, you use a desktop computer at work, and save a notebook for infrequent travel, Apple recommends charging and discharging its battery at least once per month."

Clear you cache for better computer performance... Watch a video to see what I'm talking about.

Tech Tidbits - May 5, 2009

In order to help with the technology training on campus, we have decided to move to a weekly email with a few brief tips and suggestions to assist in your daily experience. I will paste the contents of the email here so that you can have all of the "Tech Tidbits" in one location. If you have any questions, come find any member of the technology department and we'd be glad to help you.

Hi Everyone!!

We would love to get some feedback from you on how often and for what purpose you used your new classroom laptop. As you know, we provided an Apple laptop for every classroom on campus. Please click here to take the survey.

Please return your classroom laptop to Glen Worthing on or before Tuesday, June 9th (the day after comments and grades are due). I will be cleaning, updating, and performing regular maintenance on these laptops to get them ready for the 09-10 school year. Please take the necessary steps to back up all of your data onto a USB/Flash drive.

Do you use a projector in your classroom? Here are a few great tips on how to extend the life of your projector and it's bulb.

• Minimize the number of times you turn off and on your projector. If you are going to use it from class to class, leave it on and let it go asleep, or put it into standby mode. Once done using the projector for the day, turn it off.
• If the unit has dust filters, check them regularly so that they don't get clogged up.
• Keep your room at a nice temperature. Having your room at a warm temperature, may cause damage over time to the equipment.

St. Anne's Wireless Network News

We have many wireless connections available on campus. Depending on where you are on campus, will determine which wireless signal would be the best for you to connect to. All of the wireless signals on campus have the same password. (Please find one of the tech department members for a reminder). Check out this video to figure out which wireless signal you are connected to and how to change it if your wireless speed is lacking. **Remember to turn up the volume on your computer** CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO